I do not here refer to the complete sacrifice of every rag of her reputation; for to many women these extremities are in themselves attractive.

But there is about the court a certain lady of a dishevelled reputation, a Countess von Rosen, wife or widow of a cloudy count, no longer in her second youth, and already bereft of some of her attractions, who unequivocally occupies the station of the Baron's mistress.

I had thought, at first, that she was but a hired accomplice, a mere blind or buffer for the more important sinner.

A few hours' acquaintance with Madame von Rosen for ever dispelled the illusion.

She is one rather to make than to prevent a scandal, and she values none of those bribes--money, honours, or employment--with which the situation might be gilded.